Ah, you're a Legalist.
Not at all. I just follow what God’s Word says, and I believe His Word clearly teaches two aspects of salvation.
We are…
#1. Initially saved & foundationally by God’s grace without works (Ephesians 2:8-9).
#2. Chosen by God to salvation through Sanctification of the Spirit and a belief of the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:13).
But the problem in today’s version of popular Christianity is this:
Isaiah 26:10 NKJV
“Let grace be shown to the wicked, Yet he will not learn righteousness; In the land of uprightness he will deal unjustly, And will not behold the majesty of the LORD.”
You said:Which is why you are opposed to Jesus teaching that we are irrevocably in faith and are saved by God's grace. Which is not of ourselves so that, unlike you insist, we cannot boast.
We are not irrevocably in the faith. That’s false, my friend.
We are told:
“...We are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end.” (Hebrews 3:13-14).
"Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." (Jude 1:21).
"...be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." (Revelation 2:10).
"Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." (Jude 1:21).
"...be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." (Revelation 2:10).
We are told to:
- Continue in the grace of God (Acts of the Apostles 13:43).
- Continue in the faith (Acts of the Apostles 14:22) (Colossians 1:23).
- Continue in his goodness, otherwise we can be cut off (just like the Jews were cut off) (Romans 11:21-22).
Then there is Titus 3:8. It says,
“This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.”
When was the last time you heard preachers even affirm CONSTANTLY to you that you might BE CAREFUL to maintain good works. Why are preachers today not affirming constantly to you to be careful to maintain good works to you? They are not even teaching you about good works let alone affirming constantly to be careful to maintain good works.
It’s because we are in the last days as described in 2 Timothy 3:1-9.
You said:It is impossible to reach Legalists with proper Exegesis.
Thanks for your time.
Sounds like an excuse to sin or disobey God to me. Titus 2:11-12 says God’s grace teaches us to deny ungodliness, and that we should live righteously and godly in this present world. Paul said he was able to labor more abundantly than all his brethren because of the grace of God within him (1 Corinthians 15:10). Meaning, grace gives you the ability to do the work (or good works). Meaning, faith that works by love (Galatians 5:6). Just as the woman who could not stop kissing Jesus’ feet because her many sins were forgiven. He that is forgiven little loves little. So if we are not loving others by our deeds, it is because we have been forgiven little. To be forgiven of a lot, means we will love a lot. If your view of God’s Word was truly correct, then you will teach it. For we are to preach the Word out of season and in season. You will not do it just for my benefit but for the edification for all believers. For a person who comes across this forum looking for truth will not be able to find it from you because you refused to help out. This simply shows that your belief is simply not defensible with the Scriptures. It would be too embarrassing for you to defend a sin and still be saved type belief (Which is what Belief Alone Salvationism ultimately leads to).
In any event, may God’s good ways shine unto you (Whether we agree on Scripture or not).